Aiya said she would not accompany them to the underground arena, but that Meglin and Cruxe would go with them. Meglin would go as a slaver and Cruxe as his bodyguard. Meanwhile, she would go look for the noble's daughter she had been hired to find.
Arphaxad then said he would also go with her, as he aspired to free all the slaves from that place. However, Catoni said that no slave would enter the arena without being inspected by the bureaucrats from the Capitol. Yorin said they had been there before and knew the location.
Adonis, who was very worried, said it was dangerous for the Capitol bureaucrats to send all of them to Saladon instead of the slavers. But Aiya said that in her research, she discovered that the Capitol bureaucrats were corrupt puppets who had been bought by the city's mercenaries and that they always prioritized the slaver mercenaries even against the grand duke.
With a sad demeanor, Catoni then said, "This place has changed a lot since the fall of the Tenai kingdom." He added that when Saladon came to power, most of the poor people expected something good from him, since he was also a commoner, but Saladon has his own ambitions, and the people ended up abandoned. Catoni concluded by saying: "Today, most people regret not having an Arkon on the throne anymore!"
Hearing that again unsettled the hearts of the Seed Heirs who still had contempt for the former monarchs. Meglin spoke up and said: "The plan may work this time, because something is different in Zoarlath." Everyone became curious about what Meglin said, so Aiya again took the lead and said: "It's because, as has already been said here, Saladon turns a blind eye to all the corruption happening throughout the duchy, and not just in Zoarlath, but throughout the country. He normally sends his special golden-eyed soldiers to 'keep order,' leaving the way clear for slavers and bandits!"
Arphaxad then said: "Yes, yes, we encountered many such soldiers in Bercuranon, they almost caught us there!" Meglin concluded: "Saladon sent them on a senseless war and now we have the capital without the presence of those demons!"
Kal then asked Meglin: "Why do you call them demons?" Meglin replied: "They are too powerful, they say they are products of strange experiments and rituals of dark magic, one of them has the strength of ten trained men." Everyone was relieved to hear those soldiers would not be in the capital for a time, but Arphaxad was curious about the "senseless war" Meglin had mentioned and asked: "What war is this?" Cruxe, who until now had not spoken much, responded: "Saladon sent them to massacre a country that had just been destroyed in a war!".
Arphaxad, concerned about what he heard, asked: "What country?" Aiya then took the lead and not knowing Kal and Arphaxad's origin said: "Months ago I felt a growing evil mana in the west, at the time I did not know what it was, but when I arrived here in Zoarlath, I discovered in my searches that the kingdom of Nannu had been attacked by a high demon and the people were almost annihilated, but were saved by the brave warriors of that country. I discovered that Saladon joined forces with the queen of Volkaron to once and for all annihilate the people of that country."
Aiya's words made Arphaxad nervous. He got up and quickly walked toward the door. "I have to go back," he said. However, he immediately remembered the slaves he had promised to save and stopped at the door, his legs trembling in a mix of anxiety and anger. He wanted to be in Nannu to help his friends in battle, but he knew he could not turn his back on the enslaved children and women. He then turned to Kal and shouted, "Are you going to let this happen?" Kal just lowered his head thoughtfully. Arphaxad then approached Kal and grabbed him by the arm. "Kal, are you going to let this happen?"
Nobody there understood what was happening, but Kal remained silent, and then Arphaxad released him and turned saying: "You have the power to change this fucked up world, Kal. Everyone saw your power in the war of greed, everyone felt your power before Morfrey. If you don't take action, my...Our friends will die!" Everyone heard that and became curious about Kal's past.
The seed heirs wondered who he was, as they saw something strange in Hadon's house when Adonis entered his spirit. But Aiya and her group did not understand what was happening. Aiya did not believe that boy was that powerful, since she saw his level, and it was the lowest of all there. Suddenly, Pudin, who was on Kal's shoulder, jumped and, as if sensing something, stood still staring fixedly at Kal. Sahara, who saw Pudin, was also startled and looked at Kal.
Suddenly, a huge pressure flooded Catoni's room. There was no physical expression or mana release, there was just a feeling of fear and pressure. For a fraction of seconds, Kal's eyes emitted a golden glow, but soon faded, making everything return to normal. The seed heirs realized it was the same pressure they felt in Hadon's house. The pressure everyone felt had passed, and before them was only Kal, smiling. "It is necessary for them to go through this, they are the saviors of Nannu, not me!" he said, making everyone there feel an intoxicating calm. Aiya, on the other hand, when Kal was emanating that pressure, used her 'Level Detection' ability and what she saw confused her: "For a moment his level which was 28 disappeared and I could no longer see his real level, how strange! Who is this guy?" she thought.
Arphaxad stood by the door, his hand gripping the frame firmly. He felt a latent rage and a powerful helplessness in his chest. However, he respected Kal and decided to accept the young warrior's words. Taking a deep breath, he turned back to the plans to rescue the slaves. Everyone then discussed how the approach would be. During the day, Meglin and Cruxe would take them to the Capitol so the bureaucrats could check them all. After that, they would send the information to Hwin and the others, hoping to be accepted.
Before they could finish the meeting, the door to Catoni's workshop opened. From inside, a still very injured woman with a disfigured face emerged. She was walking slowly and staggering. She reached out her hand toward Kal and walked in his direction, mumbling inaudible words and making some sounds. Aiya and her companions were startled by the vision of that person, and even though Kal and Arphaxad had fought with her in the war of greed, they did not recognize Princess Elanor there, as her face was different from the beautiful and proud princess she had always been. Seeing she was still not well, Aura gave her another healing potion and, along with Catoni, took her back to her bed. The woman was taken back to bed still with her arm outstretched toward Kal, as if asking for help.
"Who is she?" asked Kal, finding it very strange.
"She's an ex-slave that Catoni found abandoned in the forest to die. One of those disgusting slavers did this to her. They're still going to pay for all of this!" said Yorin, showing a certain anger.
Kal then felt more at ease, believing he had no relation to the woman who was there. Therefore, they all returned to talking and detailing each step of the mission.
With the tension eased, the conversation continued focused on the mission. Meglin and Cruxe discussed the details of how they would present themselves as slaver and bodyguard, respectively. They needed to seem convincing to the Capitol bureaucrats who would inspect them.
"We must be meticulous," said Meglin, adjusting his disguise. "Any mistake could expose us and compromise the entire mission, we could even be killed."
Cruxe, imposing in her armor, nodded. "We need a solid story. We must know who we are and how we acquired these 'slaves.'"
Arphaxad, still containing his frustration, contributed with ideas about the rescue logistics. "While you deal with the bureaucrats, I'll be with Aiya gathering more information. Coordination will be crucial."
Kal, observing the plans take shape, felt a weight on his chest. The vision of the injured woman was still fresh in his mind. He couldn't stop thinking about the suffering so many were facing.
The meeting continued until every detail had been carefully planned. They discussed warning signs, escape routes, and communication methods. Everyone knew their role and the importance of not deviating from the plan.
Meglin finished with a final observation. "Tomorrow will be a test for all of us. Stay calm, follow the plan, and we'll bring these slaves to freedom."
With the plans established, it was time to discuss the enemies. They knew Aiya had gathered information about them and it was crucial they knew more deeply who they would face. Kal, however, stayed a bit longer reflecting on Arphaxad's words and the responsibility he felt on his shoulders.
"Most of my notes were left in our room at the inn, and they're probably destroyed by now, but I studied the information I collected extensively and can tell you things about all of them!" said Aiya. Adonis, concerned, asked: "But there was no information linking those lost documents to us, right?" Aiya responded promptly: "No, there was none, because we did not use our real identities the whole time we were in the capital."
Yorin, curious to know more about the biggest slavers, said: "Let her speak, Adonis. We need to know more about our enemies!" Everyone turned their attention to Aiya, who continued: "They are known as 'The Five Fingers of God's Hand,' and each represents one of the fingers on a hand. Because of the freedom given to them by Saladon to do as they please, they consider themselves gods in this country.
Their influence extends even to the free cities, and anyone who rises up against them is summarily destroyed." Aura, intrigued, asked: "But what of the nobles in this country? Don't they do anything against them or even Saladon?" Aiya replied: "In my research, I discovered that many nobles support this conduct. Most of them are landowners and need slaves on their farms. Many of these nobles are the Five Fingers' main clients, which may be why Saladon turns a blind eye to everything."
"The thumb is Krekk, the werewolf man. He is the son of a demi-human with an ex-slave. They say he is extremely powerful and skilled, and because of this he was able to rise through the ranks until becoming a famous and powerful mercenary. They say Krekk is actually from Nannu, but this information is not certain. Krekk is impulsive and does not think much, but because he has werewolf blood, he is very fast and voracious. Krekk is the 'thumb'," explained Aiya.
"The forefinger is Zigga, the leader of the Black Daggers. The Black Daggers are a clan of dangerous and seductive assassins. They say Zigga was a prostitute in one of Lark's pleasure houses, but she was clever and cunning. She began killing some of her clients for pleasure with dangerous poisons, catching Lark's attention, who freed her and gave her the chance to rise up. From there, she recruited and trained women in the arts of assassination and seduction, until she had an army of dangerous women under her command, frightening Lark, who freed her from her services and let her be free to become a mercenary slaver. Zigga quickly became a powerful mercenary and is now the 'forefinger' of the Five Fingers."
"The ring finger is Amon, the leader of the assassins' guild. Where Zigga assassinates with poisons, Amon leads a group of stalkers and shadow-walkers. Amon's lair is so secret even within the Fingers, and he leads the largest assassins' guild in the south. They say Amon takes slave children and turns them into bloodthirsty and heartless assassins. I do not know his methods, but they say Amon is a specialist in extracting information and torture. He will never face you head on; he and his men fight dirty and underhandedly. I could not find out more about Amon's past, only that he was born in Zoarlath. He is the 'ring finger' of the Five Fingers."
"The little finger is Lark, the lord of lust. They say Lark is the oldest slaver in the duchy. He once was the most powerful and active in various areas. He owns the entire pleasure district, in addition to having the greatest influence over the Capitol of Zoarlath. Lark lost his position as absolute lord when Hwin arrived in the capital. In less than six months, Hwin gained Saladon's trust, and a battle between mercenaries began in this place. Lark used his influence and gathered the largest number of slavers against Hwin, who defeated one by one until reaching Lark. Hwin took everything from Lark and left him only with his pleasure houses. Lark used to be the 'middle finger' for being the greatest of all, but after Hwin, he became the 'little finger' and is now the weakest of them all."
"And lastly we have Hwin. He changed all of Zoarlath. He was born in Karastea and came to Zoarlath at just seventeen years old. In a short time, he took power in the city from Lark's hands and now has the largest slave and mercenary empire in all the south. Even the church in Karastea fears him. Hwin is known in the capital as 'The Golden One' for having a large number of legendary and powerful artifacts. Little is known about Hwin's past in Karastea, but here in the duchy he became Saladon's own confidant to the point of creating a secret and clandestine combat arena with the approval of the Duke Saladon himself," concluded Aiya.
Aura, intrigued, asked: "If Saladon approved, why does Hwin keep this arena hidden?"
Cruxe took over from Aiya and said: "For the Holy Church of Karastea, any form of torture is an affront to the gods, and that is why they hide to avoid attracting the church's attention!"
Arphaxad then asked: "But isn't slavery itself a form of torture?"
Aiya responded: "That's why I said they even feared Hwin. They insist on ignoring what happens here, and the devout people of the whole continent will not accept it. But still, they manage to remain neutral in the face of all this. If the large number of devotees discover what happens to these slaves in the arena, they would probably take up arms, and that could be a problem for the church leaders. Therefore, as long as the arena remains hidden and clandestine, the church leaders pretend nothing is happening."